A significant issue in the U.S. is the lack of decent health care for every single citizen. In a country of plenty, the fact that the people who live and work here don’t always get the medical attention they need is disappointing. With growing unemployment many previously unaffected by this are now experiencing the financial strife associated with purchasing unsubsidized health insurance.There are many factors that contribute to this, including the rising cost of health insurance .

Finding affordable health insurance is a daunting task but a necessary one. Here are six suggestions on how to find affordable health insurance for you and your family.

1. Search online. For those people who are self-employed or who work for a company that is too small to offer decent benefits, there are private insurance companies that will underwrite policies for you. Many do not require a physical exam but they do require that you fill out a detailed health questionnaire. For a healthy individual with no pre-existing medical conditions, you can get a policy for somewhere in the neighborhood of $150 a month.

2. Choose your annual deductible wisely. If the monthly premiums are worrying you, elect a higher deductible. The more responsibility you take for your medical coverage in the form of a higher deductible, the lower your premiums will be each month. Don’t choose a deductible over $1,000 though, or it won’t be worth the money.

3. Find out the company’s policy on pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions may cause your premiums to be higher than normal. But, more likely, the insurance company will have a waiting period of six months to a year before they will cover any bills related to that condition. People between jobs may choose a policy without pre-existing conditions if they only plan on keeping it for a few months until they start a new job.

4. Compare health insurance quotes. Finding the best and most affordable policy will take some research. This can be done online or over the telephone. Also ask about dental and vision insurance and if they are included or separate from your policy.

5. Don’t be deceived by those “plans” that say they are not insurance but low-cost alternatives to health insurance. Some of those plans work in certain states and with certain providers who accept their contract terms. If you don’t live in an area where there are providers, you won’t qualify. Even then, this could be a gamble.

6. Check with your job and see what they offer. Some places of employment offer health insurance. Before going anywhere else, see what they do offer. If it is cheaper to insure yourself, do that and then go to an outside insurance company for the other members of your family. If they offer dental and medical for the family, take it. Whatever medical coverage you get from your job will be better than trying to outsource it all.

A new report from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) says that health insurance premiums are growing at a reduced rate, despite increased use and higher costs, while health insurance plans' efforts are easing drug cost increases. The study found that premiums rose 8.8% between 2004 and 2005, which is 36% lower than the 13.7% increase in a similar report from 2002.